Catholic Schools throughout Saskatchewan celebrated Catholic Education Week May 9 to 16.
The week kicked off with a provincial proclamation by Dustin Duncan, the minister of education. Light of Christ Catholic Schools celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.
At Notre Dame School each classroom created bulletin boards of flowers to share the theme of “Nurturing Hope.” It was a timely exercise to dive into this theme of hope at a time when we are all searching for ways to expand the light of our hope in the day-to-day challenges of our lives.
Staff and students enjoyed daily videos, which provided virtual introductions and scripture shared by priests who serve the staff, students and communities of Light of Christ Catholic Schools. The students enjoyed learning through engaging in stories and activities that corresponded with each theme.
A theme song of hope was adopted and played daily as students and staff tossed a beach ball in each classroom to build connection and to experience the positivity of dancing and gratitude for being able to move to the music.
To begin the week, Notre Dame School students decorated pots and popsicle sticks to prepare the soil, as they reflected on preparing the soil of their hearts to grow in love and service of others. Flower seeds were planted on Tuesday and students enjoyed a popsicle treat to symbolize the seeds of hope that can be planted by the simplest acts of kindness.
Wednesday, students made friendship bracelets as they reflected on the importance of building connection and relationships.
A virtual liturgy with Bishop Mark Hagemoen and a fruit snack treat to remind of the fruits of the spirit such as joy, peace, kindness and gentleness were the focus for Thursday.
Friday, voices were joined in prayer for a living rosary, to reflect on the mysteries of life and faith and to remember a sense of wonder at the marvels that are all around .
As the Catholic Education Week celebration came to a close at Notre Dame School, students received a small bag of “treats” and “treasures” that commemorated the themes and learning from the week.
